Motorists and cyclists urged to take responsibility for their own safety by keeping up-to-date with the Highway Code.

MOTORISTS and cyclists are urged to take responsibility for their own safety and ensure they follow the rules of the road.

An officer from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary’s road casualty reduction team has urged all road users to keep themselves updated - to ensure they know the Highway Code.

The spokesman said: “From a driver’s point of view, both road users need to take responsibility for themselves and abide by the rules of the road.

“It is important for all road users to know the Highway Code and it is your duty to know.

“Cyclists have got to stick to the rules as well.”

When passing cyclists, it is important motorists give them as much room as possible.

He added: “Treat cyclists with as much respect as any other road user and give them as much room as you would another car.

“If you are in traffic in the town, or anywhere where there is slow moving traffic, it is particularly important to look out for cyclists who may be filtering into traffic from either side.

“Cyclists need other people to see them.”

Motorists should also take care when turning left and right - to avoid any collisions occurring.

The spokesman said: “There are certain patterns for incidents involving motorists and cyclists.

“Vehicles turning left into a junction of a road with the cyclists going inside of them is quite common.”

He also told the Midweek Herald that other problems can occur when the driver of delivery or articulated vehicles has not seen a passing cyclist.

He added: “Cyclists have the same right to use the road as any other road user and it is important for motorists to remember cyclists have the same rights - even though they don’t have to pay road tax.”

l Here are a few Highway Code reminders:

When driving in a built-up area, motorists should drive carefully and be on the lookout for vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Take care and reduce your speed at bends, junctions and turnings on country roads, which may be hidden, and be prepared to meet other road users.

Avoid distractions when driving or cycling, such as loud music, trying to read maps, inserting CDs or tuning the radio, distractions from passengers, eating, drinking or smoking.

Avoid using mobile phones when driving.